Stealing Home

Question
In a recent game, with a runner at third, the opposing coach was having his girls (9-10-11 year olds) steal as the catcher was returning the ball to the pitchers mound following the pitch (not a wild pitch). My question is this--whether or not the rules sanction the stealing of home in such situations, isn't this a recipe for disaster? I can understand going home on a wild pitch, but stealing home on a return throw from the catcher to the pitcher can only result in an injury at the plate. Either the runner can be hurt (as the catcher is wearing equipment), or the stationary catcher can be injured in such a collision. Our coaching staff did not substitute a catcher who would have a girl who stole home "pay at the plate," so to speak, because we don't want to see our girls or the opposing girls getting injured. Your comments are appreciated.

Answer
Hello Jim

Welcome to fastpitch softball!

In fastpitch softball the 12U and the older age groups the ball is "live" at all times so the rules allow stealing by any runner on the return throw from the catcher. Basically what happen in your situation is the runner probably took a large lead at the release of the pitch then stole the base or home because the catcher didn抰 control the runner.    

If you were playing ASA 10U rules stealing home isn抰 allowed. Runners may attempt to steal or advance one base after the ball crosses the plate but the runner at third base is not allowed to steal home.

To control the runner the catcher needs to make a runner move back towards the base she was leaving before throwing the ball back to the pitcher. She can do this by walking or running towards her with the ball, once the runner turns back to the base the catcher throws the ball back to the pitcher in the circle then the runner cannot advance.

Players must avoid collisions whenever possible. Deliberately causing a collision by either the base runner or the defensive player (in the umpire's judgment) will be grounds for immediate ejection.